Details
Title Marriage certificate. This certifies that [Washington C. Young/of Philadelphia/state of Pennsylvania] [Amanda L. West/of Goshen/state of New Jersey] were by me united in marriage according to the ordinance of God and the laws of the state of [Pennsylvania] at [Philadelphia] on the 24 day of [May] 188[3]. [Philip L. Sanborn?]/ [Sarah A. Ross]/ [Rev. W.H. Ross officiating minster] [graphic].
Publisher [Philadelphia?]: [publisher not identified]
Date [completed 1883, printed ca. 1880]
Physical Description 1 print: lithograph printed in black and gold ink with two albumen prints on carte de visite mounts ; sheet 31 x 24 cm (12 x 9.25 in.)
Description Marriage certificate with gold touches and containing the bust-length, carte-de-visite studio portrait photographs of Washington C. Young and Amanda L. West, who are African American, surrounded by text, pictorial details, and an ornate border. Young's portrait depicts the young man, looking to the left, and attired in a jacket with a notch lapel, a dark-colored tie, and white, straight shirt collar. He also has a mustache and wears his hair short and with a side part. West's portrait depicts the young woman, looking to the right, and attired in a garment with small puffs at the shoulder and a high-collar neckline adorned with a fabric flower. She wears her wavy hair pulled back, parted in the middle and with side bangs. She also wears earrings. Between the portraits are ornaments with text reading, "It Is Not Good That Man Should Be Alone, Gen 2.18" and "I Will Make Him An Help Meet For Him Gen 2.18." The certificate also contains pictorial details of flowers and vinery, a bell, doves, and a banner. The border is composed of scrollwork, floral shapes, and cornice ornaments. At the time of their marriage, Washington C. Young was a clerk. He would continue in this profession throughout his life. Amanda (West) Young worked as a dressmaker by 1910 and was later listed as a housekeeper in census records. The couple had four children, including a daughter who worked as a dressmaker.
Notes Title from item.
Date of printing inferred from printed and manuscript date.
Completed in manuscript to Washington C. Young and Amanda L. West on May 24, 1883. Signed Philip L. [Sanborn?], Sarah A. Ross, and Rev. W.H. Ross, Officiating Minister.
RVCDC
Subject Young, Amanda, 1860-1943 -- Portraits.
Young, Washington C., 1860-1931 -- Portraits.
African American couples.
African American men.
African American women.
Bells.
Borders (ornament areas)
Doves.
Flowers.
Marriage -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
African American History
Genre Albumen prints -- 1880-1890.
Cartes de visite -- 1880-1890.
Lithographs -- Color -- 1880-1890.
Marriage certificates -- 1880-1890.
Location Library Company of Philadelphia| Print Department| GC - Certificates - Marriage [P.2023.59]
Accession number P.2023.59